Summary
It has been previously demonstrated that the hepatopancreas of the snail, Helix pomatia, produce proteinaceous particles (termed b-granules), which are involved in the process of calcification. In calcium cells of this organ calcium spherites arise from these granules. The present study retraces the intracellular development of b-granules from Golgi vesicles and from Golgi saccules encircling the cytoplasmic areas up to the formation of calcium spherites. It is suggested that the mature b-granules are well-defined cytoplasmic units with calcifying capacity. The fine structure of b-granules and calcium spherites is described. The possible function of various cell organelles in the formation of the b-granules and spherites is discussed.
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This investigation was supported by grants from the Swedish Natural Science Research Council. The assistance of Mrs. I. Rehnberg is gratefully acknowledged.
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Abolinš-Krogis, A. Electron microscope studies of the intracellular origin and formation of calcifying granules and calcium spherites in the hepatopancreas of the snail, Helix pomatia L.. Z. Zellforsch. 108, 501–515 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339656
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00339656